Teen Support Service: Helping Young People Navigate Family Addiction

Growing up in a family affected by drug or alcohol use can be an overwhelming experience for teenagers. Emotions can feel intense, confusing, and sometimes impossible to manage. At Families Out Loud, we understand that teens often carry the weight of what’s happening at home silently, struggling with feelings of guilt, fear, or responsibility for the actions of loved ones.

To support young people in this challenging situation, we offer Teen Support, a specialist service delivered by our expert young person’s support team. The service is designed for teenagers aged 13–17, providing a safe space where their emotions are heard, accepted, and validated.

Why teens need support

It’s common for young people in families affected by addiction to withdraw from others, struggle at school, or show changes in behaviour and mood. Some may feel angry, anxious, or frustrated, while others might appear quiet or distant. These emotional responses are natural and understandable — but without support, they can be isolating and difficult to navigate.

Teenagers are often acutely aware of family dynamics, and they may feel a sense of responsibility for a parent or sibling’s behaviour. This misplaced sense of accountability can be heavy, leading to anxiety, stress, or self-blame. Teen Support helps young people understand that they are not responsible for the choices of others, and that their feelings are valid and important.

How Teen Support works

Our service provides one-to-one sessions with a specialist counsellor, who creates a supportive environment for teenagers to explore and express their emotions freely. The focus is on listening without judgement, helping young people to name and make sense of their feelings, and encouraging healthy ways to process experiences that may feel overwhelming.

The service is tailored to each individual, recognising that every teen’s experience is different. Some may need help coping with the ups and downs of family life, while others may want support in managing school stress or navigating complex emotions with friends and peers. Through consistent, compassionate support, teenagers can begin to feel understood and less alone.

Creating a safe space

At Families Out Loud, we believe that emotional safety is the foundation of healing. Teen Support provides a consistent, confidential space where young people can speak openly without fear of judgement or blame. By acknowledging and validating their feelings, teens are empowered to recognise that their emotions are normal responses to difficult circumstances, and that they have a right to support, care, and understanding.

Supporting teenagers through challenging times

Families affected by addiction can be unpredictable, and teenagers may face a wide range of experiences day to day. Teen Support is a resource they can turn to when life feels overwhelming — whether it’s coping with changes at home, dealing with conflicting emotions, or simply wanting to talk to someone who will listen.

At Families Out Loud, we are committed to standing alongside young people, offering guidance, understanding, and a safe place to be heard. Teen Support is more than counselling — it is a space for teenagers to feel validated, supported, and empowered to navigate their unique journey with resilience and confidence.